Wright Medical Group, Inc. PROFEMUR(R) Stem Designs and Introduction of Unique Less-Invasive Surgical Technique

Updated 8/10/09

Many patients today want to know how quickly they can get back to work and resume their daily activities. Minimally-invasive, tissue-sparing techniques can help them achieve these goals sooner. While many orthopaedic manufacturers and surgeons have developed minimally-invasive techniques, Wright is the only company to offer a hip implant system with a design that specifically addresses the most common challenges associated with a minimally-invasive approach, such as soft-tissue damage and implant insertion.

The PROFEMUR® Hip System is modular - meaning that as opposed to a traditional hip implant stem that has a fixed neck already attached, the PROFEMUR® Hip Stem does not have an attached (or fixed) neck, but instead comes with a series of modular necks that your surgeon can use to attach to the stem once inserted.

Why go Modular?
Advantages of Stems with Modular Necks
Less Tissue Trauma

The modular neck feature of Wright's PROFEMUR® Hip System simplifies implant insertion for your surgeon, while reducing the risk of soft-tissue damage to you, the patient. It is important to remember that in minimally-invasive surgery, it is not the size of the incision that reduces post-operative pain and allows for quicker recovery - it is the amount of tissue trauma caused below that incision. Unlike a traditional hip stem with a fixed neck that your surgeon must maneuver to fit within a very small incision (causing soft tissue trauma), the PROFEMUR® stem slides easily into place within a small incision and your surgeon simply attaches the appropriate modular neck afterwards.

PROFEMUR® Plasma Z Stem	PROFEMUR® Plasma Z Stem with Modular Neck

Ability To Adjust Leg Length Discrepancies And Off-Set

The PROFEMUR® Hip System also allows for adjustment of leg length and offset (whether you are naturally knock-kneed or bow-legged) after the stem is implanted. This flexibility offered by the modular neck gives the PROFEMUR® system a key advantage over other stem designs used in minimally-invasive procedures.

Being able to adjust leg length and off-set easily through use of different modular necks is important because one of the biggest sources of patient complaints after surgery is that the leg that has been operated on feels shorter than their other leg. If there is a difference in a patient's legs' lengths, this may cause him or her to limp, even after healing from surgery. Unlike traditional hip stems with fixed necks, the PROFEMUR® Hip System gives your surgeon options to adjust and balance your hip to achieve the best surgical outcome possible.

Ability to Be Used With Big Femoral Head (BFH®) Technology

Another important feature of the PROFEMUR® hip stems and modular necks is that they can be used in conjunction with Big Femoral Heads. BFH® Technology offers patients benefits such as increased range of motion and reduced chance of dislocation, in addition to reduced wear.

Advantages of MIS

Compared to traditional total hip replacement procedures, the minimally-invasive technique features a much smaller incision, thus preserving vital muscle and tendon groups. This offers patients many benefits, including less pain, less scarring, less blood loss, and increased function immediately after surgery.

The minimally-invasive technique is designed to help total joint recipients get back to a normal life quicker.

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